Demonstrating Value

It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve as the President of the GPAHU for the last two years.  As a parting message I thought it would be more appropriate to discuss our future than try and recount successes or failures during my term.  To try and comment on recent past events would be as productive as arguing about why an asteroid is heading for earth instead of figuring out how to stop it. As anyone can tell you, in the age of “healthcare reform,” our industry is facing challenges of historic proportions.  While our association has been the harbinger of these tumultuous times, March 2010 brought massive legislation that endeavored to remove brokers and agents from the health insurance landscape.

For a moment, allow that thought to sink in, no more brokers or agents.  I would imagine for most of you, this is a terrifying thought and if it isn’t already, will be keeping you up at night.  Forces are at work to remove you and your agencies from the healthcare equation.  This is no longer Peter crying wolf, it is happening and is happening quickly.  Insurance companies are reacting to MLR provisions and reducing commissions, the exchanges have the potential to significantly erode your market segment and while you are tasked with doing more with less, your clients increasingly expect more services.  Some brokers may be content to ride this once lucrative gravy train into the ground.

Those of us who believe in what we do and take pride in the services we provide need to find a solution.  Those who are prepared should not go quietly into this dark night, we should not vanish!  We provide some of the most important, cost-containing consulting services in this industry. We have been fighting for years not just for our livelihoods, but for our clients and customers.  The questions remains, will we be the only ones left on the battlefield?  Will our clients fight for us in our time of need?  Have we given them enough reason and information to?

Ask yourself this question, “What would my clients do without me?”  I don’t have to tell you that your answer should help guide your actions over the next 12 months.  Remember, you are not alone.  The GPAHU can be your resource and advocacy partner.  Reach out to us and participate.

As of July 1st, Jerry McGlone of Trion has assumed the role of President of GPAHU. I will now handle the position of Treasurer. We are joined by Peter Gualtieri of Savoy Associates as Vice President and Matthew Cooney of Kistler Tiffany Benefits as Secretary. Please join me in welcoming our new GPAHU Executive team.

Larry Turnbull
Former President GPAHU,
David M. Banet & Associates

“Change before you have to”

by Jerry McGlone
GPAHU President
TRION

This quote from Jack Welsh really gets at the heart of what our industry will face over the next few years.  We have seen tremendous change with the passing of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Our business will continue to evolve as PPACA is interpreted and implemented and now, more than ever, we all need a voice in the process.  This is a call for action and I ask all of you to participate.  How so you ask; help us spread the word about the value and importance of supporting the GPAHU.  The more members we have, the larger, more significant voice we have at the state and at the Federal Level.  As a member of the GPAHU you are also a member of NAHU (20,000 members strong).  Our voice has never been stronger.

How that the budget is completed in Harrisburg, the legislators are turning their attention to developing the Health Insurance Exchanges in Pennsylvania.  Pennsylvania has the responsibility to decide what the Exchanges look like and it is incumbent on us to present the reasons whey licensed insurance producers must be an essential component of the Exchanges.

As incoming President of the GPAHU, I recognize the challenges ahead with our industry.  I continue to be more optimistic than ever that the agent will play an integral role in the healthcare delivery system.  Let’s face it; with the complexity of PPACA, our clients need our expert advice more than ever.  Our job is not like it was in the past; just placing insurance. We must understand the Healthcare Reform legislation and how it will impact our clients or we will be left behind in the dust.  We all must change and adapt to the new marketplace under PPACA.

In closing, I would like to thank Larry Turnbull in particular for the fine leadership he has provided over the past two years.  I would also like to thank the GPAHU Board for their confidence in me to lead us over the next two critical years. Mahatma Gandhi said it best “We must become the change we want to see.”  Let’s seize the moment and work together to shape our future.